Seven Princeton area runs and walks for April and May organized by local nonprofits
Warrior Dash for the YWCA Princeton Breast Cancer Resource Center
The Fun Run will be on a mixed-terrain course through the beautiful Princeton University Campus, starting and ending on the track at the Weaver Stadium at Princeton University. The Fun Family Walk will be a one-mile walk on a wheelchair-accessible paved walkway. The Kid’s 50-Yard Dash will include three age categories: 5 & under, 6-8, and 9-10-year-olds.
Proceeds benefit YWCA Princeton’s Breast Cancer Resource Center. The center provides free programs and services such as wigs, fitness classes, nutrition and healthy eating classes, healing arts classes, support groups, financial resources, webinars on various topics related to breast cancer, one one-on-one support, as well as community outreach and education workshops.
When: Saturday, April 13
On-site registration begins at 7 a.m., and activities begin at 8 a.m.
Registration fees are $20 before the event and $25 the day of the event, and the YWCA is asking for a $100 fundraising goal per registration.
14th Annual Institute Woods 6K
The event is sponsored by the Princeton Athletic Club. The course is on maintained natural surface trails in the Institute Woods. The event is open to all skill levels, including those who wish to walk the course. Limited to 200 Participants. Post-run refreshments are provided.
When: Saturday, April 13
The race begins at 10 a.m.
The event begins and ends at the Friends School at 470 Quaker Road. Pre-register for $38 online. Registration on the day of the event is $50 (if space is still available).
Montgomery/Rocky Hill Rotary Annual Run With Rotary
The 16th annual Run With Rotary 5K race and 1-mile ramble will take place in Skillman Park in Montgomery Township. Hosted by the Montgomery/Rocky Hill Rotary Club, the Run With Rotary is one of Central New Jersey’s preeminent charity races.
The Run With Rotary is the principal fun-raising event for the Montgomery/Rocky Hill Club and its charitable foundation. Funds raised through sponsorships support myriad vital causes and organizations. Included among them are HomeFront, Arm in Arm, Urban Promise Trenton, Montgomery Food Pantry, Montgomery Senior Center, Samaritan Homeless Interim Project (S.H.I.P.), disaster relief, Save A Friend to Homeless Animals, Bentley Community Services, Arts Incubator of Montgomery, clean water projects in South Sudan, Polio Plus, local fire and emergency rescue squads, and scholarships, as well as individuals and families in need.
The 5K is certified by the USATF, and USATF members who register for the 5K by April 24 will receive a $3 discount on their registration fee. All participants are encouraged to bring a nutritious, shelf-stable donation for the Montgomery Food Pantry. Long-sleeved, cotton, commemorative t-shirts are available for all who register by April 5. New for 2024, first-place finishers in 5K various categories will receive specially designed Run With Rotary sweatshirts.
When: Sunday, April 28
The event runs from 10 a.m. to noon
Between March 16 and April 24, fees to participate are $40 and $25. Day-of-race registration fees are $45 and $35. To take advantage of early bird pricing, Visit www.runwithrotary.org to register.
Third Annual Hopewell Valley Arts Council Color Fun Run and Walk
The Hopewell Valley Arts Council’s Color Fun Run and Walk returns for a third year. The journey will begin at the new Hopewell Township bandshell. The event promises an explosion of color and joy, catering to everyone from avid runners to leisurely strollers, all in support of the arts in Hopewell Valley.
The event features entertainment, including a dance party with music and warm-up sessions led by Angela, the hula hoop virtuoso from ‘Color Me Hoopy’. Participants will experience waves of color as they navigate the course, becoming living art pieces. The event culminates with an exuberant group color toss, a celebration of hues and happiness. Capture these moments at a selfie station and indulge in Johnson’s homemade ice cream.
The Color Fun Run and Walk is an all-ages, all-fitness-levels event, focusing on enjoyment rather than competition. Stroll for 1.5 miles or more in a stress-free atmosphere. Savor refreshments like shaved ice, are available for purchase. Participants will receive novelty sunglasses, water, and a color packet for the grand finale color toss. General admission $30. Children 5 and under are free with a registered adult.
When: May 4
The event runs from 3 to 4 p.m. at Woolsey Park. Arrive by 2:45 p.m.
Buy tickets in advance on the Hopewell Valley Arts Council website.
The 21st annual Lawrenceville School Big Red Race
This year’s 5K and accompanying shorter-distance children’s races will benefit Homeworks Trenton, the Lawrence Township Education Foundation, the Lawrence Township Community Foundation, and local food pantries. The Big Red Race will be held on The Lawrenceville School campus at 2500 Main Street in Lawrenceville.
The starting gun for the adult five-kilometer course will fire at 10:15 a.m., rain or shine. Races, ranging from 25 meters to a half mile, will be available for kids, ages 3-11, starting at 9 a.m. May 5
Participants who pre-register by April 30 will receive a 2024 Big Red Race t-shirt. There is a $30 non-refundable entry fee for adults and $20 for runners in high school and younger. In lieu of a $5 entry fee, youngsters participating in the kids’ races are asked to bring a non-perishable, canned food item for donation to local agencies combating hunger. All children’s race participants receive a finisher’s medal and t-shirt.
When: May 5
Children’s race begins at 9 a.m., 5K begins at 10:15 a.m.
Register for the Big Red Race at https://www.raceforum.com/bigred.
AAPI 5K Run and Walk Princeton
Get ready to lace up your shoes for a thrilling celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a 5K Run ‘n’ Walk, which is being held in collaboration with the Institute of Financial Intelligence, Where Music Carries Us, and the Museum of Chinese In America. The run starts at 502 Carnegie Center Drive in West Windsor.
When: May 11
The run starts at 8:30 a.m.
Early bird registration is $35. Online registration from May 6 to May 10, 2024 is $45. Race day registration is $50 cash or check.
Good Grief 5K Walk and Run
The 5K Run and Walk is an opportunity to join together as individuals, families, and as a community to walk or run in memory of someone significant in people’s lives who has died. The event will be held at Mercer County Community College at 1200 Old Trenton Road in West Windsor.
When: May 19
Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m.
Pre-register online – Run $30, walk $25, kids’ dash $5.
Krystal Knapp is the founding editor of Planet Princeton. Follow her on Twitter @krystalknapp. She can be reached via email at editor AT planetprinceton.com. Send all letters to the editor and press releases to that email address.